Home Buyer Tips

May 1, 2017

Posted By
Five Star Painting®

Realtors always remind clients to look past cosmetic features in a home,
like paint color, wallpaper and fixtures, but sometimes that is easier
said than done. When you buy a house, you want to have that feeling of
“home” as soon as you walk through the doors, but occasionally,
the cosmetic details can be hard to overlook.

Five Star Painting wants to assure you that when you see unsightly things in a home you are
interested in buying, we can be there to help! Keep these things in mind
while you are house shopping, and you will end up with the house of your dreams.

Interior

Look for the potential
in the home, not the colors or patterns on the surface.

Paint Colors – One of the easiest things to update, yet one of the hardest things
to overlook. When you live in a home, you naturally want it to fit your
style, yet everyone’s style is unique. A fresh coat of paint will
allow you to update the colors to fit your taste, will help mask any lingering
odors, and will give the walls a fresh sheen.

Outdated Cabinets – Kitchens and bathrooms typically sell a house. Why? Because homebuyers
are afraid of the costs they would incur by purchasing a house in need
of a kitchen or bathroom makeover. A quick tip for homebuyers who are
considering a house with outdated cabinetry – Consider the layout
and quality of the cabinets, rather than the appearance. A fresh coat
of paint and new hardware will give dark, dingy or stained cabinets a
new look and save you a ton of money.

Wallpaper – If you think paint colors are specific to one’s taste, then
consider how customized wallpaper choice can be! If you are touring a
house that has been lived in for decades by the same owners, there is
a good chance they installed wallpaper when it was trendy and have tolerated
it ever since. Experts can use proper techniques to remove the
outdated wallpaper, retexture and paint the walls to give the space an updated appearance.

Popcorn Ceiling – Around the same time period of wallpaper, popcorn or “acoustic”
ceilings were found in nearly every house. Decades later, popcorn ceilings
are dust collectors and an eye sore. While removing popcorn ceilings can
make a huge impact on the appearance of the space, it is advised to leave
this task to the experts due to the tools and skill required and the mess
it can create.

Exterior

Homebuyers typically form a strong first opinion of a house before even
walking through the front door – aka “curb appeal”.

Exterior Paint – When you are house hunting, any peeling, cracking or deterioration
of the exterior finish can be intimidating. Your inspector will be able
to give you details to the cause of the wood rot or paint fail, and once
those issues have been resolved, refinishing the exterior is an easy task
for the professionals. Five Star Painting can
replace any rotted wood or siding,
pressure wash the exterior and add a fresh coat of paint to protect the exterior surfaces.

Brick Color – Don’t let brick color eliminate a house from your buying
options. While it has not been common practice in the past, painting brick
is growing in popularity and demand in recent years. Once this is done,
there is no going back, so discuss with an expert and view
before and after photos before moving forward.

Patio or Deck Surface - Wood patios and decks can be an asset to a house, but if not properly
maintained, they can be a safety hazard and an eye sore. By inspecting
the surface, replacing any rotted wood and applying a proper sealant, the
outdoor space can easily become your favorite "room" in the house.

When to Call a Professional vs DIY

Buying a house is a big expense, so cash flow might be a little low. So,
when is it necessary to call a professional and when can you
attempt to DIY?

Job is too big – Let’s face it. If the house of your dreams is two stories
or has 18 foot vaulted ceilings, it might not be a good idea to climb
up on the ladder and attempt to do the job yourself.

Additional machinery or tools required – Tasks like popcorn ceiling removal or cabinet refinishing will
require specific tools and materials to ensure beautiful end results.
Attempting these tasks without the proper tools or experience could lead
to mistakes that are more costly in the end.

Inexperience – If any of the required tasks fall outside your expertise, then
it’s a good idea to consult with the experts. Before you search
YouTube to learn how to perform one of these tasks, at least consider
hiring a professional to do it for you.

Out of town – Obviously, if you are making a move from one city – or state
– to another, then it would be ideal to have the house painted before
you make the move with all of your belongings. An empty house is always
easier to maneuver and will make cleanup even easier.

Quick TIPS from the Pros

When buying a home, pay closest attention to the “bones” of
the home and avoid getting caught up in the cosmetic features.

If the cabinets are in good shape, then having your cabinets professionally
painted is an effective way of brightening up the kitchen and making it
look more updated, while saving money (versus replacing cabinets). This
is also true for bathroom cabinetry, built-ins and closet shelving.

Common repairs that should be performed soon after purchasing a home are
patching nail holes in walls - where the previous homeowners had wall-hangings,
replacing any trim - indoor or outdoor - that has experienced wood rot,
and removing sprayed ceiling texture – often referred to as “popcorn” ceilings.

An empty house is easier to maneuver and clean, so it is advised to complete
remodeling tasks prior to moving in belongings.

Bring in a few accessories, rather than all of your furniture, to help
determine if there is a need for new wall colors.

The master bedroom is normally one of the last rooms in the house to receive
any TLC, so you will thank yourself later if you freshen it up prior to move-in.

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